If you’ve ever daydreamed about renting your very own private island — complete with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and villas that practically glow in the sun — Palawan has exactly that fantasy waiting for you. Welcome to Banwa Private Island, one of the world’s most exclusive slices of paradise, and for the third year in a row, a proud entry in Robb Report’s “50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth.”
A Playground for the Elite (and Their 48 Friends)
Sure, you can book one of Banwa’s six sleek, white beachfront villas à la carte (starting at a cool $3,650 a night, two-night minimum). Each villa sleeps between two and eight guests, with private pools and a minimalist modern vibe that pairs beautifully with Palawan’s wild scenery.
But here’s the kicker: Banwa is also a true private island rental. That means one billionaire can roll in with 48 friends and have the whole island to themselves — alfresco dining, daily world-class chef menus, and all.
Diving with Giants
Banwa isn’t just a pretty face. Set in a marine-protected sanctuary in Roxas, Palawan, the island is a diver’s dream. Think whale sharks cruising by, rare hawksbill turtles, and blacktip reef sharks darting through the reefs. It’s like having a National Geographic episode unfold right under your fins.
No wonder Henry Cookson of Cookson Adventures, one of the international travel masters behind Robb Report’s rankings, calls it “one of the world’s most exclusive private islands” — a mix of beauty, biodiversity, and brag-worthy adventure.
Luxury with a Conscience
Banwa’s brand of luxury isn’t just about infinity pools and champagne toasts. The island leans heavily into sustainable practices:
✔️ An organic farm that supplies fresh produce
✔️ Solar power systems for cleaner energy
✔️ A mosquito-control program that avoids harsh chemicals
Through the Aquos Foundation, Banwa also funds research and protection for endangered species in the Sulu Sea. In other words, staying here means you’re not just indulging — you’re also supporting conservation.
Awards Keep Coming
Banwa’s trophy shelf is getting crowded. Aside from its three-peat in Robb Report’s luxury list, the island has earned:
- Private Island of the Year (Destination Deluxe, multiple years)
- Best Beach, Island or Upcountry Resort in the Philippines (Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific, 2023)
- Best of the Best in Travel (Robb Report Hong Kong, 2024)
- World’s Leading Luxury Private Island (World Travel Awards, 2019)
Clearly, the world is paying attention to this little gem in the Sulu Sea.
“Today’s Luxury Traveler Seeks Purpose”
As Banwa’s director of sales and marketing Simon Turner puts it:
“Today’s luxury traveler seeks more than privacy — they seek purpose.”
And that’s exactly Banwa’s sweet spot: it delivers unmatched exclusivity while staying true to Palawan’s natural and cultural heritage.
So whether you’re a billionaire with 48 adventurous friends or just a curious traveler dreaming of the ultimate escape, Banwa Private Island proves that Palawan is where luxury meets meaning.
📸 Photos courtesy of Banwa Private Island
